The Hamlet To Provide A Haven For Sanford's Elderly, Disabled

November 8, 1998|By Linda Humphrey Sentinel Correspondent

A new community planned for Sanford will help provide housing for the elderly, disabled and low-income residents.

The Wyman Fields Foundation plans to begin construction on The Hamlet, a nonprofit community, in January. The foundation bought 73 acres at Celery and Brisson avenues in Sanford that will be used for 365 rental units, said Candace Birle, Hamlet chief executive officer.

Included in the rentals will be 240 apartments for the elderly, 125 of which will be townhomes. Eighteen units have been specified for developmentally disabled people, with the rest for low- to moderate-income families.

Affordable housing for disabled people - especially those who are self-sufficient - can be difficult to find.

The Hamlet also will offer villas and single-family homes for purchase to qualified low-income buyers. The entire community will have more than 500 housing units.

Birle said The Hamlet is looking forward to the January groundbreaking with plans for occupancy within about 18 months.

For more information on The Hamlet, call the Wyman Fields Foundation at (407)328-0003.

Meanwhile, state money is available to nonprofit organizations that provide housing to disabled residents.

Through the State Housing Initiative Partnership Program, up to $500,000 will be awarded to one or more nonprofit organizations in Seminole County for affordable housing programs for disabled people, said Huey Davis, housing manager for Seminole County Community Development Office.

Qualifying parties must submit a proposal to be eligible for the funds. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 12. Interested organizations can call (407)321-1130, Ext. 7112.

Davis said assistance for disabled people is available through the county's affordable housing plan, which is funded by the state and the county.

This program allows assistance in the form of down payments, closing costs and/or rehabilitation when purchasing newly constructed units or existing housing.